The only way to confirm a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is to have a comprehensive medical assessment. This can include a physical exam, laboratory tests, neuropsychological testing, and brain imaging. The doctor will also ask questions about the person’s medical history and symptoms. After all of this information is gathered, a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can be confirmed or ruled out.
Physical Exam
A physical exam will be done to assess the person’s overall health. The doctor will check the person’s vitals, reflexes, and balance. They will also look for signs of other medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms.
Laboratory Tests
Laboratory tests may be done to look for any underlying medical conditions that could be causing or contributing to the symptoms. These tests may include a complete blood count (CBC), a chemistry panel, thyroid testing, vitamin B12 and folate levels, and a urine analysis.
Neuropsychological Testing
Neuropsychological tests are used to evaluate cognitive functioning. This includes memory, language, and thinking skills. The results of these tests may help to confirm a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Brain Imaging
Brain imaging may also be done to help confirm a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. This can include an MRI or CT scan. These tests can show if there is a decrease in brain volume or if there are any other changes in the brain that may indicate Alzheimer’s disease.
Overall, the only way to definitively diagnose Alzheimer’s disease is to have a comprehensive medical assessment. This includes a physical exam, laboratory tests, neuropsychological testing, and brain imaging. After all of this information is gathered, a doctor can confirm or rule out a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.